What Are Your Selected Oscar 2014 Predictions?

Oscar 2014 Predictions

The Oscars are upon us. On March 2, Hollywood comes together to celebrate the crowning achievements in film for 2013. This year’s festivities will be hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, an obvious safe reaction to Seth MacFarlane’s controversial turn as host of the 2013 award show. Although I love MacFarlane’s style, I see how the old guard could be put off by his irreverence. Nonetheless here are my predictions, which I’ve approached like fantasy football; it’s all about the points. I have my personal favorites who I wouldn’t mind seeing walk home with the golden statuette, but in a competition crazy world I base my picks on who I think is going to win. There are 24 possible points out there. Lets see if any of the readers out there can beat the kid. Here are the nominees and our Oscar 2014 Predictions.

Best Picture:

American HustleCaptain PhillipsDallas Buyers ClubGravity“Her”NebraskaPhilomena12 Years a SlaveThe Wolf of Wall Street

Winner: 12 Years A Slave

Could/Should Win: Gravity, American Hustle

This year’s big race takes on a similar tone to previous years’ in that it pits an heavy box office smash against a smaller film with historical subject matter (Avatar vs. The Hurt Locker, Life of Pi vs. Argo). We will go with history again.

Although I would love to see Steve McQueen become the first black director to win this coveted award, Cuarón seems like the front runner this year having already won the Directors Guild and Golden Globe awards in the category.

Best Actor:

Christian Bale in American Hustle
Bruce Dern in NebraskaLeonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club

Winner: Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club

Could/Should Win: Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave, Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street

In one of the most hotly contested races in years, (Tom Hanks, Idris Elba, Forrest Whitaker, Joaquin Phoenix excluded) I’m rooting for Chiwetel and definitely would not be mad if Leo took home gold. However, I just can’t deny that it feels like McConaughey’s year, and his turn as Ron Woodroof certainly solidified his transition from romantic comedy staple to proficient character actor. I’m unsure of whether or not the Academy considers other performances from the year, but his work on HBO’s True Detective can only help his cause.

Best Actress:

Could/Should Win: I think this one is pretty much locked up. Blanchett has been the heavy favorite since the film’s release, and just as she did for the SAG awards, she gets my vote here.

Best Supporting Actor:

Barkhad Abdi in Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper in American Hustle
Michael Fassbender in 12 Years a Slave
Jonah Hill in The Wolf of Wall Street
Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club

Winner: Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club

Could/Should Win: Jonah Hill, Bradley Cooper

Jonah Hill is not going to win, but in my opinion, his performance of wannabe WASP Donny Azoff in The Wolf of Wall Street is one of the most enjoyable of the year.Speaking of enjoyable performances, it saddens me that James Franco was not included for his performance as gangster rapper Alien in Spring Breakers. “Spring Break 4eva”

Best Supporting Actress:

Sally Hawkins in Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle
Lupita Nyong’o in 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts in August: Osage County
June Squibb in Nebraska

Winner: Lupita Nyong’o in 12 Years a Slave

Could Win: Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle

Even though critics feel that her role was too small, I am going with the long shot here. Lupita’s portrayal of Patsey is as riveting a performace as I’ve seen in years. In such a tough role, she certainly nailed it.

Best Short Film (Animated)

Best Documentary Short

CaveDiggerFacing FearKarama Has No WallsThe Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My LifePrison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall

Winner: The Lady in Number 6

Tally the points at the end of the night and we’ll see who has their hand on the pulse of what The Academy is thinking. Remember to email your Oscar predictions to killingthebreeze@gmail.com for a chance to win the $24 prize, and most importantly to see if you beat me.